With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:1.At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.2.Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.3.Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A

   1 only

   1 only. Urea (and nutrient-based subsidy) is still administered, not a free retail market.

2. B

   2 and 3 only

   2 and 3 only. Ammonia for urea from natural gas; sulphur for phosphoric acid as a refinery by-product. Fertiliser MRP is not fully market-driven.

3. C

   2 only

   2 only. Under-counts sulphur.

4. D

   1, 2 and 3

   All three. Statement 1 fails.

Summary. Official key is (b) 2 and 3 only. Urea’s ammonia is gas-based; sulphur for phosphate fertiliser is a refinery by-product. Retail fertiliser prices are not left to the market — urea is controlled and others are subsidised under NBS.